tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014Sun, 31 May 2015 11:02:07 +0000Northern Maine Ridge Runners and River Ratshttp://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)Blogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-4191651985042104529Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:27:00 +00002015-04-07T21:27:53.150-04:00Ice Fishing HighlightsOur ice fishing exploits this winter were fairly quiet, with some slow, but steady action on some average fish. &nbsp;My son caught his first fish, and yellow perch or not he was tickled. &nbsp;I also acquired a new portable ice shelter which makes for some luxurious days on the ice. &nbsp;I am working on packing away all of the ice gear to ready the open water equipment. &nbsp;Stay tuned, because as soon as the rivers release their icy sheeting we will be chasing all sorts of finned beauties!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_DQIgqkwnc/VSSAioRkzcI/AAAAAAAABbQ/xHSwrRwNa2Q/s1600/photo-40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_DQIgqkwnc/VSSAioRkzcI/AAAAAAAABbQ/xHSwrRwNa2Q/s1600/photo-40.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRQUnB81bVY/VSSAgw93n_I/AAAAAAAABbI/wr-ueTJS0RM/s1600/photo-41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRQUnB81bVY/VSSAgw93n_I/AAAAAAAABbI/wr-ueTJS0RM/s1600/photo-41.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq9eeaJMdso/VSSAs8PIsfI/AAAAAAAABbg/hzFWxyOnBns/s1600/photo-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq9eeaJMdso/VSSAs8PIsfI/AAAAAAAABbg/hzFWxyOnBns/s1600/photo-42.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Ymy0qeFCc/VSSAv-KJohI/AAAAAAAABbo/DQxoERfcsVI/s1600/photo-43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Ymy0qeFCc/VSSAv-KJohI/AAAAAAAABbo/DQxoERfcsVI/s1600/photo-43.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5s-w9BbBoY/VSSA3P2U7VI/AAAAAAAABbw/oZ5or6KXU_o/s1600/photo-44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5s-w9BbBoY/VSSA3P2U7VI/AAAAAAAABbw/oZ5or6KXU_o/s1600/photo-44.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKLBY5rcHEg/VSSA6PMFE6I/AAAAAAAABb4/cXtvGBcyBjc/s1600/photo-45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKLBY5rcHEg/VSSA6PMFE6I/AAAAAAAABb4/cXtvGBcyBjc/s1600/photo-45.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t96dNpxbQmU/VSSA-qaDclI/AAAAAAAABcA/npiPZqozwzI/s1600/photo-46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t96dNpxbQmU/VSSA-qaDclI/AAAAAAAABcA/npiPZqozwzI/s1600/photo-46.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xN7Dpt4OlXI/VSSBDzK5UaI/AAAAAAAABcI/gAkUOUyv5VE/s1600/photo-47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xN7Dpt4OlXI/VSSBDzK5UaI/AAAAAAAABcI/gAkUOUyv5VE/s1600/photo-47.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA7Ie-QQlTQ/VSSBGcZP8CI/AAAAAAAABcQ/euqAdXR3wCw/s1600/photo-48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA7Ie-QQlTQ/VSSBGcZP8CI/AAAAAAAABcQ/euqAdXR3wCw/s1600/photo-48.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2015/04/ice-fishing-highlights.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-589878826598889742Wed, 08 Apr 2015 00:33:00 +00002015-04-07T20:33:26.028-04:00End of the Line - 2014A snapshot of my 2014 trapping season in what many call a "barn shot" or an "End of the Line" shot to signify the end of a trapline. &nbsp;I had a lot of fun this year despite stopping early due to an unforeseen closure on the season by the state.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu7RyAKMg8w/VSR2uaAT6KI/AAAAAAAABa4/sh2JDlKum_Y/s1600/DSC_0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu7RyAKMg8w/VSR2uaAT6KI/AAAAAAAABa4/sh2JDlKum_Y/s1600/DSC_0690.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2015/04/end-of-line-2014.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-8901476811147973513Mon, 22 Dec 2014 02:13:00 +00002014-12-21T21:13:20.012-05:00Fall 2014 Maine Moose HuntSince I was on the last of my three years that is the new mandatory waiting period after holding a Maine Moose tag, I solicited a couple of my friends who were able to draw a tag to write their adventures down to share with everyone. &nbsp;The first in those installments is below as Lauren Calbi recounts her once in a lifetime hunt for a trophy Maine moose. &nbsp;She and her hunting partner Brain pursued these racked mammoths in the truest of forms by leaving the truck behind and putting some miles on the shoe leather. &nbsp;This was also Lauren's first big game hunt. &nbsp;Sit back and enjoy their adventure!<br /><br /><br /><br />Guest Post - Lauren Calbi's 2014 Maine Moose Hunt<br /><br />"I was blessed enough to be chosen through Maine IFW lottery system for my moose permit, a bull in zone 3. Zone 3 stretches from Fort Kent, Maine, east towards Caswell and as far south as Caribou. Route 11 or the “scenic highway” closed zone 3 off from Ashland area north. &nbsp;My bull permit was for the 3rd week in September, which is the 1st of a few selected weeks through November. My alternate sub wasone of my good college friends Brian, who is also a forester with me at the same private landowner in Northern Maine. <br /><br />By Wednesday we had hunted hard, walking miles a day through old harvests and battling above average temperatures for September in Northern Maine. &nbsp;When we had questioned if we could actually get a moose we were pleasantly surprised with the turn of events a few minutes ahead of us.<br /><br />We had made it to a lake we had scouted for about 6 weeks or so. &nbsp;There were plenty of mature bulls in the area and we were in the hopes of seeing one for the taking. &nbsp;I used a Remington 700 7mm-08 that the head forester of our company allowed me to borrow graciously. <br /><br />I saw some sign and pointed this out to Brian whose eyes lit up with excitement. We walked about 1200 feet from the road and hit a beaver dam. As we waded through the muck and dirty water to work the edge, we heard something move. Frozen in our tracks we turned to see what we had prayed for. A large bull about 100 yards away began to thrash his antlers in some alder bushes. I pulled up my rifle to try to get a good look at him. When I focused I could see antlers attached to a large body. Brian looked at me to see if we had a shot. I couldn’t focus him in to get a clean shot and wasn’t comfortable with myself at 100 yards even after many hours of practicing. That’s when we decided to wait it out. Without making a sound we stood there for 2 hours with our guns perfectly positioned in case we had a shot. The bull checked corners and behind trees to see what we were. My mouth dry, I tried to keep my cool and not blow it. Eyes huge, Brian silently mouthed to me “he’s big”! My left arm began to numb and time was ticking. We decided to try some bull calls to spark an interest and get things moving. We got exactly whatwe were looking for and then some.<br /><br />Brian called three times and a bull in the distance responded. We were elated and shocked. Once we heard the first bull we saw stand up, my heart started beating fast. We thrashed our guns around and Brian responded to the other bull’s call. There was no difference in pitch or tone when Brian responded, I could tell he had practiced.<br /><br />The bull in the distance was aggressive. Thrashing and grunting every couple of minutes made it feel unreal. I knew at that point we were about to watch something rare and exciting unfold in front of us. I directed Brian and myself back toward some tall grass to hide ourselves and got ready. I could feel my heart pound and my breath get shallow. I couldn’t figure out if I was scared or excited, probably a bit of both. I got down to position myself on my knee and looked at Brian who was just as excited. He whispered in my ear “I wish we had a camera!” I wanted to watch them fight and have my pick of the two. Brian kindly reminded me that I needed to take a shot on the first bull we saw; we may never have that chance again.<br /><br />The first bull we saw walked towards us and I knew it was show time. Everything I had practiced, the many hours spent, all boiled down to this moment. He walked towards us and I shot him at 10 yards broadside. &nbsp;He ran and I picked up again, firing a running shot. &nbsp;He crossed a beaver damn about 400 yards further into the tree line.<br /><br />After 6 hours, 2 fours wheelers and 1500 feet of rope we were on our way home! We weighed him the next morning at Quigley’s in Fort Kent. &nbsp;He weighed a whooping 944lbs and a spread of 51”. &nbsp;A hunt of a life time ended up successful and more than I could imagine. &nbsp;I’ll be eating moose meat for a while and that is quite fine by me!!"<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ_jhIV5bBA/VJd9AehHi7I/AAAAAAAABZ0/cLtOybqwD-k/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ_jhIV5bBA/VJd9AehHi7I/AAAAAAAABZ0/cLtOybqwD-k/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjMDdpmfytc/VJd8_ffelWI/AAAAAAAABZk/UZEKZ-dfBVQ/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjMDdpmfytc/VJd8_ffelWI/AAAAAAAABZk/UZEKZ-dfBVQ/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU5A23WhyhA/VJd9AHi6cfI/AAAAAAAABZs/HIgzY_U4yxY/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU5A23WhyhA/VJd9AHi6cfI/AAAAAAAABZs/HIgzY_U4yxY/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsn8_DYF7Oc/VJd9ALEMnGI/AAAAAAAABZo/iPEq5CsZZik/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsn8_DYF7Oc/VJd9ALEMnGI/AAAAAAAABZo/iPEq5CsZZik/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPFeSoS0-88/VJd9AqhsOII/AAAAAAAABaA/CKoieUgFQ9c/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPFeSoS0-88/VJd9AqhsOII/AAAAAAAABaA/CKoieUgFQ9c/s1600/Lauren's%2BMoose_5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for more adventures coming soon! &nbsp;Some Big Northern Maine Whitetails coming soon as well!</div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/12/fall-2014-maine-moose-hunt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-591761262488790852Mon, 22 Dec 2014 01:52:00 +00002014-12-21T20:52:50.845-05:00Fall Absence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So yet again I am apologizing for my absence. &nbsp;I have all of the best intentions and then before I know it, a month has flown by or in this case two. &nbsp;I have a few stories on the go so in the mean time here are a few pictures from the trapline this fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wS39nkoT-00/VJc4D-4wjuI/AAAAAAAABYI/tAJ6cKTgYY8/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wS39nkoT-00/VJc4D-4wjuI/AAAAAAAABYI/tAJ6cKTgYY8/s1600/photo-13.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Few New Supplies from F&amp;T Trading Post!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvkbfdqmMq8/VJc4G8WxoXI/AAAAAAAABYQ/R7PKuBaApk8/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvkbfdqmMq8/VJc4G8WxoXI/AAAAAAAABYQ/R7PKuBaApk8/s1600/photo-8.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had all kinds of weather on the line!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBZJwgYW09Y/VJc5EUxtpoI/AAAAAAAABYY/kQjIdNybLDg/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBZJwgYW09Y/VJc5EUxtpoI/AAAAAAAABYY/kQjIdNybLDg/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJMTT3GKp7s/VJc5KggiQvI/AAAAAAAABYo/EuILikeXMzs/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJMTT3GKp7s/VJc5KggiQvI/AAAAAAAABYo/EuILikeXMzs/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WzSjr7Omd4/VJc5R_WRHjI/AAAAAAAABYw/Egj3nSIXRNg/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WzSjr7Omd4/VJc5R_WRHjI/AAAAAAAABYw/Egj3nSIXRNg/s1600/photo-6.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7wQDcNUPF8/VJc5W98TjcI/AAAAAAAABY4/jrhPCiivDaU/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7wQDcNUPF8/VJc5W98TjcI/AAAAAAAABY4/jrhPCiivDaU/s1600/photo-7.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRFeXnfP3KQ/VJc5Hz0Qe1I/AAAAAAAABYg/TqMAvI5NIZw/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRFeXnfP3KQ/VJc5Hz0Qe1I/AAAAAAAABYg/TqMAvI5NIZw/s1600/photo-11.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLYx-vcZbMs/VJc525bFEJI/AAAAAAAABZI/M3_ifzytXCs/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLYx-vcZbMs/VJc525bFEJI/AAAAAAAABZI/M3_ifzytXCs/s1600/photo-16.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQOsgnoMXfU/VJc53DPoTKI/AAAAAAAABZM/NvI4w_Mf6yc/s1600/photo-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQOsgnoMXfU/VJc53DPoTKI/AAAAAAAABZM/NvI4w_Mf6yc/s1600/photo-21.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qho3pmgrxXI/VJc5z_oM9RI/AAAAAAAABZA/9OY95nAHNpM/s1600/photo-32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qho3pmgrxXI/VJc5z_oM9RI/AAAAAAAABZA/9OY95nAHNpM/s1600/photo-32.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for more to come soon!</div></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/12/fall-absence.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-2048415960282653643Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:02:00 +00002014-10-08T22:02:44.295-04:00Trail Cam Teasers<div style="text-align: center;">Just a few shots from one of my trail cams to get everyone thinking about the 2014 deer season!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QU4Wvjj9OLY/VDXsg5WHzSI/AAAAAAAABXw/sDgAISiJc6s/s1600/Cdy00039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QU4Wvjj9OLY/VDXsg5WHzSI/AAAAAAAABXw/sDgAISiJc6s/s1600/Cdy00039.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvHr24tPGio/VDXsfuoCiSI/AAAAAAAABXg/g5vx5EC4_sk/s1600/Cdy00043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvHr24tPGio/VDXsfuoCiSI/AAAAAAAABXg/g5vx5EC4_sk/s1600/Cdy00043.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZLbjZo8OT8/VDXsfw9Ty6I/AAAAAAAABXk/IfgrP2H8CGg/s1600/Cdy00045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZLbjZo8OT8/VDXsfw9Ty6I/AAAAAAAABXk/IfgrP2H8CGg/s1600/Cdy00045.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnbvJ3GxnBc/VDXsi_JUvgI/AAAAAAAABX4/LbCQkkPsATU/s1600/Cdy00047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnbvJ3GxnBc/VDXsi_JUvgI/AAAAAAAABX4/LbCQkkPsATU/s1600/Cdy00047.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/10/trail-cam-teasers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-5025391809009617263Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:39:00 +00002014-10-08T21:39:17.847-04:00Chippewa BootsSo I am writing this post quite late and for that I do apologize to <a href="http://www.chippewaboots.com/" target="_blank">Chippewa Boots</a> and the <a href="http://www.outdoorbloggernetwork.com/" target="_blank">Outdoor Blogger Network</a>. &nbsp;The delinquency of this post should not reflect poorly on either of them. &nbsp;Quite to the contrary, both are exemplary in their business. &nbsp;Ok, now to the review.<br /><br />Thanks to the Outdoor Blogger Network and the company Chippewa Boots, I was offered up a pair of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chippewaboots.com/footwear/outdoor/arctic/25203/" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">6″ BAY CRAZY HORSE WATERPROOF BOOTS</a>&nbsp;to try out and let everyone know what I thought about them. &nbsp;The benefit to the delay of me writing this review is the added time I have had to put these boots through their paces. (Pun intended!) &nbsp;To put it short and sweet, these boots are phenomenal! &nbsp;When I first pulled the boots out of their box, I was awestruck by the beauty and workmanship. &nbsp;The well oiled leather almost reflected and the stitching was neat and rugged. &nbsp;To top it off, my chest puffed with pride as I noticed the small metal American flag on the laces to signify the wonderful fact that they are Made in America!<br /><br />&nbsp;When I first put these boots on, the support and comfort was all anyone could ask for. &nbsp;I will be honest, it took a little time to get used to the height as they were the 6" boot and I have traditionally always wore 8" boots, but once I grew accustomed to the lower height, I actually started to appreciate it. &nbsp;In my professional job, I have a varied work environment, with an office meeting in the morning followed by a lunchtime tour in the woods and an afternoon back in the office on a computer or maybe a morning flight in a helicopter followed by an afternoon of snowshoeing. &nbsp;I often change footwear multiple times, but these boots do it all. &nbsp;The finish on these boots can blend in with the best of them in the conference room and then protect your feet as you cross a shallow stream, with just enough insulation to keep you comfortable. <br /><br />The waterproofing on these boots has held up extremely well as has everything else about these boots. &nbsp;Another major concern I have with boots is the sole and how much traction they provide. &nbsp;The Vibram sole certainly has not disappointed and I could highly recommend these to anyone.<br /><br />In summary I would not hesitate to run out and get another pair of these, but 10 months and counting, these boots are still going strong, so it will probably still be a little while before I need another pair. &nbsp;I have no fear though as Chippewa has been around since 1901, so I am sure they will be around when I am ready for my next pair. &nbsp;If you are in need of a pair of boots, be sure to check them out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgQXUm4dD6A/VDNQQ7di8OI/AAAAAAAABWQ/VA6ka-qeMio/s1600/DSC_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgQXUm4dD6A/VDNQQ7di8OI/AAAAAAAABWQ/VA6ka-qeMio/s1600/DSC_1813.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApyenSVLlFc/VDXmGlFRrMI/AAAAAAAABWo/12tTR3pXfRc/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApyenSVLlFc/VDXmGlFRrMI/AAAAAAAABWo/12tTR3pXfRc/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMf7kKtos_M/VDXmI-DqcyI/AAAAAAAABWw/THnOqjqHCz4/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMf7kKtos_M/VDXmI-DqcyI/AAAAAAAABWw/THnOqjqHCz4/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N33aqSC2eQQ/VDXmD7Ld0qI/AAAAAAAABWg/jJ6IoMAjnxE/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N33aqSC2eQQ/VDXmD7Ld0qI/AAAAAAAABWg/jJ6IoMAjnxE/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAHK4_VSwSY/VDXmipO2OmI/AAAAAAAABW4/7cfoye1EpBM/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAHK4_VSwSY/VDXmipO2OmI/AAAAAAAABW4/7cfoye1EpBM/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJk_MWtePjA/VDXmklFmTrI/AAAAAAAABXA/2AbBVemjclU/s1600/DSC_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJk_MWtePjA/VDXmklFmTrI/AAAAAAAABXA/2AbBVemjclU/s1600/DSC_0561.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ot8MZpm7EuM/VDXmneFnptI/AAAAAAAABXI/g_G0V7Kg8i0/s1600/DSC_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ot8MZpm7EuM/VDXmneFnptI/AAAAAAAABXI/g_G0V7Kg8i0/s1600/DSC_0562.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/10/chippewa-boots.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-1319342101569613235Wed, 10 Sep 2014 01:58:00 +00002014-09-09T21:58:29.615-04:00Trail CamsThe trail cameras are hung and taking pictures. &nbsp;I have been very happy with the Cuddeback addition this year. &nbsp;Here are a few pictures. &nbsp;Stay tuned for lot's of action coming up. &nbsp;Bear season is open, goose season is open, fall fishing is just beginning and lots more on the horizon!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ6qsgrAWac/VA-vjPjCIHI/AAAAAAAABU4/9sNCwJw_2gk/s1600/Cdy00004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ6qsgrAWac/VA-vjPjCIHI/AAAAAAAABU4/9sNCwJw_2gk/s1600/Cdy00004.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-mCwF5oJuc/VA-vlnxR5KI/AAAAAAAABVA/KnVsN1kAGl0/s1600/Cdy00012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-mCwF5oJuc/VA-vlnxR5KI/AAAAAAAABVA/KnVsN1kAGl0/s1600/Cdy00012.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxYyHBMHXzE/VA-vhW0iHaI/AAAAAAAABUw/HtxqVWbCmg4/s1600/Cdy00014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxYyHBMHXzE/VA-vhW0iHaI/AAAAAAAABUw/HtxqVWbCmg4/s1600/Cdy00014.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIl9ANUC5CI/VA-vl0JyTrI/AAAAAAAABVE/OimicQpo9ww/s1600/Cdy00019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIl9ANUC5CI/VA-vl0JyTrI/AAAAAAAABVE/OimicQpo9ww/s1600/Cdy00019.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHR_2DMnXo8/VA-vnfB-riI/AAAAAAAABVQ/s3I0G5nEYbc/s1600/Cdy00022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHR_2DMnXo8/VA-vnfB-riI/AAAAAAAABVQ/s3I0G5nEYbc/s1600/Cdy00022.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw3c2tFrAig/VA-vssLAxNI/AAAAAAAABVg/1gc5-kKMJ6c/s1600/Cdy00025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw3c2tFrAig/VA-vssLAxNI/AAAAAAAABVg/1gc5-kKMJ6c/s1600/Cdy00025.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVcOsWpZ5vI/VA-vthByxUI/AAAAAAAABVo/OePsAwmIP5k/s1600/Cdy00026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVcOsWpZ5vI/VA-vthByxUI/AAAAAAAABVo/OePsAwmIP5k/s1600/Cdy00026.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doTabKhTtps/VA-vrBPJU8I/AAAAAAAABVY/cIg2ZnCKg7s/s1600/Cdy00061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doTabKhTtps/VA-vrBPJU8I/AAAAAAAABVY/cIg2ZnCKg7s/s1600/Cdy00061.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6a4OICW0ig/VA-vvhIbdTI/AAAAAAAABVw/Btla7Hj0gfk/s1600/Cdy00063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6a4OICW0ig/VA-vvhIbdTI/AAAAAAAABVw/Btla7Hj0gfk/s1600/Cdy00063.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DR6KYhLd30/VA-vwkuxC9I/AAAAAAAABV4/jFIcNBDw1qI/s1600/Cdy00067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DR6KYhLd30/VA-vwkuxC9I/AAAAAAAABV4/jFIcNBDw1qI/s1600/Cdy00067.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/09/trail-cams.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-780843617395662190Thu, 10 Jul 2014 02:30:00 +00002014-07-09T22:30:46.775-04:00Muskie FrenzyThis past weekend we explored some of the far reaches of the North Maine Woods, and were rewarded with some fish. &nbsp;The size may have been on the small side, but the fight wasn't as these small toothy critters rewarded us with some aerial acrobatics and put up an impressive display. &nbsp;We were fortunate enough to land 8 muskies in the upper 20 inch class and lower 30 inch class. &nbsp;The largest was 32", but it was enjoyable just the same. &nbsp;In addition to the 8 we landed, we had several other follows and lost a couple of others. &nbsp;One of the fish was heavy enough to snap the tired leader, taking with it one of my favorite lures, but like every favorite, a spare is mandatory! &nbsp;I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story. &nbsp;Lots of video footage soon to come as well!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jf5XuxawuxQ/U732XGPqrFI/AAAAAAAABTU/jhJno8zSnCY/s1600/IMG_6249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jf5XuxawuxQ/U732XGPqrFI/AAAAAAAABTU/jhJno8zSnCY/s1600/IMG_6249.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XxHOLT0qLE/U732RB_zmEI/AAAAAAAABTM/9MiB4xCKzVI/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XxHOLT0qLE/U732RB_zmEI/AAAAAAAABTM/9MiB4xCKzVI/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mno9WmbsOpU/U732X3EXihI/AAAAAAAABTc/uLqjStuREuw/s1600/IMG_6260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mno9WmbsOpU/U732X3EXihI/AAAAAAAABTc/uLqjStuREuw/s1600/IMG_6260.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIr1lVo5jRE/U733ZY88E6I/AAAAAAAABTs/oAsNw4c5KcA/s1600/IMG_6264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIr1lVo5jRE/U733ZY88E6I/AAAAAAAABTs/oAsNw4c5KcA/s1600/IMG_6264.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-G6xIEsi1E/U733aZEeHFI/AAAAAAAABT0/bxftXiVxk3Q/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-G6xIEsi1E/U733aZEeHFI/AAAAAAAABT0/bxftXiVxk3Q/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJxq94b4zY/U733R7ggDKI/AAAAAAAABTk/MW52x5kU8GI/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJxq94b4zY/U733R7ggDKI/AAAAAAAABTk/MW52x5kU8GI/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcwPkvxmrM0/U733kkjIF9I/AAAAAAAABT8/BkpMeiAcf5k/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcwPkvxmrM0/U733kkjIF9I/AAAAAAAABT8/BkpMeiAcf5k/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKeTYPENoN4/U7350fDP2XI/AAAAAAAABUI/2bndnf46KtA/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKeTYPENoN4/U7350fDP2XI/AAAAAAAABUI/2bndnf46KtA/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x308UQbyJ7I/U736IMu4zOI/AAAAAAAABUY/_H-xflcU-6w/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x308UQbyJ7I/U736IMu4zOI/AAAAAAAABUY/_H-xflcU-6w/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipq3A6wUdyg/U735-qU62KI/AAAAAAAABUQ/uin9Q138UoY/s1600/IMG_6316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipq3A6wUdyg/U735-qU62KI/AAAAAAAABUQ/uin9Q138UoY/s1600/IMG_6316.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaGqWb18KyE/U736PNcclYI/AAAAAAAABUg/-dL6yay6P8E/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaGqWb18KyE/U736PNcclYI/AAAAAAAABUg/-dL6yay6P8E/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/07/muskie-frenzy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-4554114232097999466Thu, 05 Jun 2014 01:56:00 +00002014-06-04T21:56:14.264-04:00Fishing Time!I will keep this short and to the point and let the pictures do the talking, but the last couple of weeks have been full of fish from brookies to muskies. &nbsp;It was the time to set personal records. &nbsp;My wife Heather's uncle Joe came up to visit (you might remember him from my striper fishing trip) and he landed a beautiful 14" brookie, which was his largest brook trout. &nbsp;It is always nice to see a smile with a fish! &nbsp;Not to be outdone, Brent came through with a 45.5" muskie that set the record for the largest fish to come to my canoe. &nbsp;Enough talk … more pictures! &nbsp;Enjoy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOAafHwhFMI/U4_N4OMVDhI/AAAAAAAABSo/kluy5PA_r9E/s1600/DSCN4771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOAafHwhFMI/U4_N4OMVDhI/AAAAAAAABSo/kluy5PA_r9E/s1600/DSCN4771.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFmsDkEEu1E/U4_L1dBiIjI/AAAAAAAABRk/MSK99ArJlN0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFmsDkEEu1E/U4_L1dBiIjI/AAAAAAAABRk/MSK99ArJlN0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiIVz8RDHRc/U4_Lw42w9eI/AAAAAAAABRg/1MARFFxOel8/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiIVz8RDHRc/U4_Lw42w9eI/AAAAAAAABRg/1MARFFxOel8/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="302" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhSq9Ptvpug/U4_MQBeUQeI/AAAAAAAABSI/5zAX1RmYLo8/s1600/bass+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhSq9Ptvpug/U4_MQBeUQeI/AAAAAAAABSI/5zAX1RmYLo8/s1600/bass+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IdE2MrkBlUQ/U4_MP8EmJNI/AAAAAAAABSE/oGMLnzNWvTc/s1600/bass+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IdE2MrkBlUQ/U4_MP8EmJNI/AAAAAAAABSE/oGMLnzNWvTc/s1600/bass+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gs_0Hi6IJo/U4_MOVLbXhI/AAAAAAAABR8/myASsi06_Vc/s1600/bass+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gs_0Hi6IJo/U4_MOVLbXhI/AAAAAAAABR8/myASsi06_Vc/s1600/bass+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zB44V_PIHQQ/U4_MRlbVy7I/AAAAAAAABSU/Bd-FNI56W2M/s1600/bass+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zB44V_PIHQQ/U4_MRlbVy7I/AAAAAAAABSU/Bd-FNI56W2M/s1600/bass+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLj66nn5QDA/U4_MS2y-zPI/AAAAAAAABSc/IArZOQPg83Y/s1600/bass+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLj66nn5QDA/U4_MS2y-zPI/AAAAAAAABSc/IArZOQPg83Y/s1600/bass+5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5nzqG6fhcY/U4_MITpDMxI/AAAAAAAABR0/VjN1ro5yIpk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5nzqG6fhcY/U4_MITpDMxI/AAAAAAAABR0/VjN1ro5yIpk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Mtyev3jWdo/U4_MI7JD6hI/AAAAAAAABR4/QwIRYHkjXOM/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Mtyev3jWdo/U4_MI7JD6hI/AAAAAAAABR4/QwIRYHkjXOM/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/06/fishing-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-6330836628127612752Wed, 07 May 2014 02:10:00 +00002014-05-06T22:10:58.485-04:00Long Beards … Or at least a beard!They say that the third time is the charm, but last year was my third year chasing turkeys in Maine and I can't say that it was a charm. &nbsp;This was the fourth year and it was definitely going to be the year I got one &nbsp;I called to book the camp and was told we were more than welcome, but they weren't seeing many turkeys which they were attributing to winter kill. &nbsp;Thanks to Troy White for the honesty even when it could have cost him business. &nbsp;Only slightly discouraged, I piled all things camo into the truck and pointed it south picking up a friend, George Haley along the way. &nbsp;We arrived mid afternoon on the day prior to the season opener. &nbsp;We had spent countless hours prior to our arrival scouring maps and aerial imagery to aid in our scouting. &nbsp;Several phone calls secured us access back onto promising private land we had previously hunted on and we were ready to connect with some turkeys. &nbsp;Our first stop was extremely promising as we crested a knoll and there in the center of the field were five turkeys. &nbsp;Two were toms, two were jakes and there was a lone hen. &nbsp;Weighing the male to female ration we liked our odds and filed the necessary landscape details into our memory bank before continuing to cruise the country side in search of a plan B location. &nbsp;We were fortunate enough to meet up with some friends who are locals, Lee and Terry Day who have watched these birds all spring, and were generous enough to show us lots of promising locations. &nbsp;We found a few big toms, but they all seemed to have a hen with them and my past experience has been less successful with henned up toms. &nbsp;After developing a plan B, C and even D in case something jeopardized plan A, we opted to resort back to our original location as the odds still seemed to be the steepest in our favor. &nbsp;After waiting until darkness cloaked the landscape we snuck out along the edge of the field and set our pop-up blind in a strategic location. &nbsp;We then navigated back along the tree line as cautiously as possible to prevent spooking any birds roosted nearby. &nbsp;Satisfied with our prep work, we went back to the camp and filled our bellies with cheddar bratwurst and macaroni and cheese before hitting the pillow to dream about earth shattering gobbles until the alarm did shatter sleep around 3:00 a.m. &nbsp;As the aroma of coffee slowly filled the camp, the anticipation filling our heads finally gave way to grins on our faces as our camp clad bodies emptied the camp and got into the pickup. &nbsp;We drove slowly along the pot hole filled road and sipped as much of the scalding hot coffee as physically possible until we reached our destination. &nbsp;Leaving the warmth of the pickup we set off into the cold, drizzling blackness that enveloped everything and made visibility zero. &nbsp;Following the outline of the trees skylined, we found the blind and pacing twenty yards set our decoys into a pattern that seemed realistic to us though we are not avian experts. &nbsp;Shortly after we had settled on our hunting stools inside the blind we saw a couple of other hunters moving into the same field we were in. We flashed a light at them to make them aware of our presence and they must be commended for doing the ethical thing of backing out and finding a different spot.<br /><br />The first hour was extremely quiet, with only a couple of distant gobbles to insure us that there were turkeys in the same county. &nbsp;Then I noticed a turkey working slowly towards us feeding as it came. &nbsp;First glance showed it to be a hen, but I thouroughly glassed her and tried to wish her into a tom, without success. &nbsp;As she reached 40 yards, she worked into the woods and the next 20 minutes was quiet. &nbsp;Then we heard quite a ruckus of yelping and cutting coming from behind us in the woods. &nbsp;Letting loose with a gobble and a series of hen yelps and cuts we finally had her attention, and then real close a gobble. &nbsp;It was so loud I thought I could hear the blind flapping. &nbsp;I had no sooner leaned to peer out the window when a big old tom came in on a dead run right to the nearest jake decoy. &nbsp;He proceeded to go into full strut pose and strut in a circle around the decoy. &nbsp;Now I was in a predicament, because where he opted to hold up was in my blind spot where there was no window in the blind. &nbsp;The shot lined up perfectly for George and I whispered, "Take him, I'll get the next one." &nbsp;His response was to level the tom with a perfectly placed shot to his head at 10 yards. &nbsp;I looked over at George and after a silent celebratory high five we continued calling in hopes of luring in another bird. &nbsp;Those efforts were unsuccessful and as we gathered George's bird, I couldn't stop admiring it's beauty. &nbsp;Kind of ugly at first glance, once up close their head takes on a whole other level of detail and intricacy making it interesting. &nbsp;The other feathers have an almost iridescent sheen to them as the shimmered in the early morning sun. &nbsp;We loaded the beauty up and headed to the tagging station, where we admired all 19.6 pounds of him and his 9.5" beard and 1" spurs. &nbsp;He was an awesome bird, but was all beat up, presumably from fighting for dominance. &nbsp;After tagging that bird, we continued on a quest get me a bird. &nbsp;After multiple spot and stalks and an extremely exciting calling scenario in thick woods, I was still bird less at 3:00 p.m. &nbsp;Opting to go back to the blind to sit for a couple of hours in hopes the disbanded birds might move back through the area, we settled in for what we were sure was a long wait. &nbsp;Five minutes later though, we had a gobbler interested and every time we would call he would gobble back. &nbsp;After half an hour of this, we were quite focused on the task at hand when George turned the opposite way and said "Turkey!" &nbsp;Sure enough, I spun and saw the bright red head bobbing up through the adjacent cut headed our direction. &nbsp;He was spooky though, and I don't think he liked the looks of our gobbler decoy, but his 4" beard was plain as day to me and he was in range! &nbsp;Easing the shotgun into position, I waited what seemed like an eternity, but was probably 5 seconds for him to clear a stump, before my index finger tightened and the long barrel roared as the turkey flattened to the ground. &nbsp;I had a turkey!!!! &nbsp;I was so excited, the fact that it was a jake didn't dampen that enthusiasm one bit. &nbsp;We both had a turkey on opening day, out of the same blind, within 15 yards of each other, it was an amazing day. &nbsp;Enjoy the pictures and the next post should be up shortly!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1UGsTin1BY8/U2RKogY0W_I/AAAAAAAABRE/EHOb5-70MpM/s1600/GEDC0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1UGsTin1BY8/U2RKogY0W_I/AAAAAAAABRE/EHOb5-70MpM/s1600/GEDC0531.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDmGOiUPX9w/U2RKgS0OyVI/AAAAAAAABQ0/oVfiGM8Vp0Q/s1600/GEDC0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDmGOiUPX9w/U2RKgS0OyVI/AAAAAAAABQ0/oVfiGM8Vp0Q/s1600/GEDC0534.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKbn062-0GQ/U2RKnHxLskI/AAAAAAAABQ8/7JaS6Y3G94A/s1600/GEDC0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKbn062-0GQ/U2RKnHxLskI/AAAAAAAABQ8/7JaS6Y3G94A/s1600/GEDC0537.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Uoe7idlAH8/U2RKuFx9BOI/AAAAAAAABRM/Il6pR7Wms44/s1600/GEDC0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Uoe7idlAH8/U2RKuFx9BOI/AAAAAAAABRM/Il6pR7Wms44/s1600/GEDC0541.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/05/long-beards-or-at-least-beard.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-102629279274372428Fri, 04 Apr 2014 01:38:00 +00002014-04-03T21:38:08.696-04:00Spring at Last!I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted, but as the old adage goes, time flies when you are having fun!<br /><br />Brook Trout, Coyotes, Deer and lot's of snow removal have filled in my time since I last posted. &nbsp;There will be lots of action to come in the near future as well, with sun filled afternoons finally starting to make a dent in the four feet of snow currently on the ground and Open Water fishing is officially open if you can find any. &nbsp;For those of you looking to wet a line I can confirm that the Mud to Cross Lake thoroughfare is flowing freely, but I would expect it to need a rise in water levels to get fish moving. &nbsp;If you are really itching to wet a line that might be your only option for another week or two! &nbsp;I have muskie on the brain and will let you know as soon as there is a fishable locale! &nbsp;I have also put a really nice pair of Chippewa boots through their paces during one of the harshest winters we have had lately and they have perfumed beautifully. &nbsp;I will be writing to tell you about them shortly!<br /><br />A weekend on Madawaska Lake produced some frying pan brookies, but no monsters were iced. &nbsp;A real nice fish made a big run out to deep water, but managed to spit the hook before we could put eyes on him. &nbsp;It was a nice day despite trudging through the knee deep fluff and bottoming out the auger with 3' of ice!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAgzEmDSSss/Uz4LtW0r_GI/AAAAAAAABPs/b7L8eeNemgM/s1600/photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAgzEmDSSss/Uz4LtW0r_GI/AAAAAAAABPs/b7L8eeNemgM/s1600/photo4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1efjykUOF7E/Uz4LqhvKSBI/AAAAAAAABPU/5mpDMW8D5-M/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1efjykUOF7E/Uz4LqhvKSBI/AAAAAAAABPU/5mpDMW8D5-M/s1600/photo3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAFh9Wh5wro/Uz4LsKvgYvI/AAAAAAAABPg/3bwdDIWiEjo/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAFh9Wh5wro/Uz4LsKvgYvI/AAAAAAAABPg/3bwdDIWiEjo/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NaDDEuuRjU/Uz4LsjY25MI/AAAAAAAABPk/7m6JvU60gg8/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NaDDEuuRjU/Uz4LsjY25MI/AAAAAAAABPk/7m6JvU60gg8/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Tim Cyr did his part to help the deer herd by taking out this big male coyote.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTMnq6EvVns/Uz4MMYnx60I/AAAAAAAABPw/jKbHYBj-ZdU/s1600/IMG-20140211-00465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTMnq6EvVns/Uz4MMYnx60I/AAAAAAAABPw/jKbHYBj-ZdU/s1600/IMG-20140211-00465.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Lot's of action planned in the near future as we start catching fish and chasing long beards!<br /><span id="goog_385321876"></span><span id="goog_385321877"></span><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-at-last.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-6420943479943919411Wed, 22 Jan 2014 02:28:00 +00002014-01-21T21:28:15.684-05:00Ice Fishing…Nice Start to Season 2014I was able to get my feet on a little hard water this past weekend and do some exploring. &nbsp;A friend of mine Tim Cyr invited me (OK maybe I invited myself) to fish a body of water that was new to me. &nbsp;Always intrigued by the unknown I readily accepted and plans were made for some fishing action. &nbsp;As my feet left the sure footing of land and started onto the solid sheet of ice, the first rays of sunshine began to break over the ridge to my right and a smile crept into the corner of my mouth as the anticipation built. &nbsp;The sound of our plastic tote sleds sliding along the ice sounded deafening in the early morning quiet and somewhere down the lake, augers broke the silence with their unmistakable drone. &nbsp;Picturing what the bottom structure of the lake looked like beneath it's icy surface, we picked our "perfect spots" and each grabbed our augers to drill down into the depths.<br /><br />A couple hits of the primer bulb and on the second pull the Jiffy roared to life and the Stealth blades made quick work of the 13" of ice and I was soon rewarded with a geyser of water from the auger bit. &nbsp;I had only set two traps when the first bright orange flag leapt skyward signaling line being pulled from the reel. &nbsp;A quick battle revealed a beautiful 14" brook trout still brightly colored from the fall spawn. &nbsp;Since it was so early into the fishing trip I left him in the water and gently removed the hook from his lip before watching him slip back to the cobble bottom and dart away. &nbsp;Tim was soon rewarded with his first brookie of the day and from there the action was steady for the first couple of hours. &nbsp;A beautiful female salmon around 23 inches gave Tim a run for his money when she tangled around a stick and he had to pull the stick and all through the hole before landing the fish which after a quick admiration was released to spawn another day. &nbsp;The same tip-up an hour later produced a male salmon that pushed the 25" mark with a large hooked jaw and beautiful coloration. &nbsp;This fish was also released after a quick measure. &nbsp;After releasing this fish, I decided if I was fortunate enough to catch a similar fish I might keep it for a mount as it would be my personal best salmon.<br /><br />I was not disappointed when a short time later my flag went up and I landed a beautiful 12" brook trout. &nbsp;I decided this one would become table fare and reset my trap. &nbsp;As I headed back to where I was jigging I decided to check the bait on a trap on the way by. &nbsp;The bait was a little lower than I preferred so I reeled in a couple more turns on the spool and set the trap back down. &nbsp;I had no sooner set the trap down than the flag bounced up and the reel started screaming out line. &nbsp;As soon as I gave a tug on the line I knew I had a good fish on and when I finally got him to the hole, my thoughts were confirmed as his massive outline went by the hole. &nbsp;After an extended tug-of-war I finally got his massive head started up through the hole and Tim was ready to grab him behind the gill plate to finish pulling him out. &nbsp;The head of the fish grabbed my attention as we flopped him onto the ice. &nbsp;The deformation that male salmon go through during the spawn is amazing and this one had thoroughly deformed his head structure. &nbsp;A massive hook protruded from his lower jaw and his upper jaw was rounded to fit perfectly. &nbsp;This was an awesome catch and I want to thank Tim for taking me to his "secret spot" on ******** Lake (Also thanks to Mado for rearranging your plans to accommodate me!) so that I could catch my best ever salmon. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I also have some video footage of that day coming up so stay tuned!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpVH1laeXgo/Ut8soHEyLHI/AAAAAAAABOo/tTArM68HFP0/s1600/GEDC0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpVH1laeXgo/Ut8soHEyLHI/AAAAAAAABOo/tTArM68HFP0/s1600/GEDC0516.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NZWRsOlQ-s/Ut8sqsR9vhI/AAAAAAAABO0/_KkQ-ofHnfo/s1600/GEDC0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NZWRsOlQ-s/Ut8sqsR9vhI/AAAAAAAABO0/_KkQ-ofHnfo/s1600/GEDC0518.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RXY96a5BhI/Ut8sqk8ZUaI/AAAAAAAABOw/54SQMeUhY5o/s1600/GEDC0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RXY96a5BhI/Ut8sqk8ZUaI/AAAAAAAABOw/54SQMeUhY5o/s1600/GEDC0522.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/01/ice-fishingnice-start-to-season-2014.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-8031742075039029238Mon, 06 Jan 2014 02:23:00 +00002014-01-13T19:58:59.922-05:00Seasons EffortsI just thought I would share a picture of my fur that I was fortunate enough to catch this year. &nbsp;It was the best year I have had on the water thus far with 2 mink, 3 otter, 10 beaver and 33 rats. &nbsp;The marten numbers were brutally low. &nbsp;Everyone I spoke with said they weren't seeing any pine marten sign anywhere. &nbsp;I think these little fellers have been hit hard the last couple of years, due to the higher prices. &nbsp;As I stopped in to Ben's Trading Post on Friday to drop off my fur, the number of trappers lined up surprised me. &nbsp;In talking with Ben, the number of trappers was way up, but the number of furs each trapper brought in were down. &nbsp;I am sure this is typical of most years following high prices at the auctions as it gets lots of people excited to get out and catch fur and adds quite a bit of competition. &nbsp;I have to say that while the money is nice, it is the love of it that keeps pulling me back year after year!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23dgvRS8tCA/UsoSIizVwcI/AAAAAAAABNs/G3U_qdpEykI/s1600/DSC_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23dgvRS8tCA/UsoSIizVwcI/AAAAAAAABNs/G3U_qdpEykI/s1600/DSC_1807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCfOTZ6l60Y/UsoSJonVoHI/AAAAAAAABNw/x8AMhOfW14k/s1600/DSC_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCfOTZ6l60Y/UsoSJonVoHI/AAAAAAAABNw/x8AMhOfW14k/s1600/DSC_1811.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Spot on a Beaver</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for some upcoming ice fishing!</div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2014/01/seasons-efforts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-2043596498444362968Thu, 19 Dec 2013 02:25:00 +00002013-12-18T21:25:24.908-05:00Deer Season Synopsis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;There were quite a few hunters who were fortunate to hang their tag on a whitetail deer, with some real beauties being taken. &nbsp;I have a few pictures from friends and other hunters who were among these fortunate ones with deer that I wanted to share. &nbsp;I am short on time at the moment, but these deer have some good stories that I will try to get up in the next week or two as well, but for now enjoy the pictures! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bRENYW0x8w/UrJVX_kUqvI/AAAAAAAABNA/xMC3AAyw9pA/s1600/tim+cyr+deer+2013+6+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bRENYW0x8w/UrJVX_kUqvI/AAAAAAAABNA/xMC3AAyw9pA/s320/tim+cyr+deer+2013+6+point.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Cyr's 6 Point - 162lbs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kesmc6kwghE/UrJVcrabIcI/AAAAAAAABNc/pqWynNgirS8/s1600/nicks+buck+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kesmc6kwghE/UrJVcrabIcI/AAAAAAAABNc/pqWynNgirS8/s320/nicks+buck+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Pelletier's 8 Point - 150lbs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkmDTRDyi0c/UrJVTHp3ZjI/AAAAAAAABMg/9_g6iG4FztQ/s1600/dad+Deer2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkmDTRDyi0c/UrJVTHp3ZjI/AAAAAAAABMg/9_g6iG4FztQ/s320/dad+Deer2013.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad - Tom Huston's 8 Point (with busted brow tines) - 172 pounds<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FF37zIiO9BA/UrJVU-fTYjI/AAAAAAAABNE/yZISvqVb-fk/s1600/keds+2013+10+pointer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FF37zIiO9BA/UrJVU-fTYjI/AAAAAAAABNE/yZISvqVb-fk/s320/keds+2013+10+pointer.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ked Coffin's 10 Point - 180lbs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3hO6AwrEsU/UrJVW7HQQjI/AAAAAAAABNI/kQJgYkke9JI/s1600/shanes+10+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3hO6AwrEsU/UrJVW7HQQjI/AAAAAAAABNI/kQJgYkke9JI/s320/shanes+10+point.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane Lizotte's 10 point - Beautiful Rack!<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-As7m4sVVgeI/UrJVTYzffsI/AAAAAAAABMw/3R-aPEdNrVA/s1600/appleton+maine+buck+monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-As7m4sVVgeI/UrJVTYzffsI/AAAAAAAABMw/3R-aPEdNrVA/s320/appleton+maine+buck+monster.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Real Monster from Southern Maine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxubVBwGjLg/UrJVYAr2zFI/AAAAAAAABNU/cVuBhBceoas/s1600/wilderness+island+deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxubVBwGjLg/UrJVYAr2zFI/AAAAAAAABNU/cVuBhBceoas/s320/wilderness+island+deer.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">261lbs. Monster! - Awesome Rack!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcpVYxylgTE/UrJVTdCKwiI/AAAAAAAABM0/_p2kiS0txSQ/s1600/Louis+monster+buck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcpVYxylgTE/UrJVTdCKwiI/AAAAAAAABM0/_p2kiS0txSQ/s320/Louis+monster+buck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1965 Thick Racked 214lbs. - Amazing Mass!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned for updates! &nbsp;I will be wrapping up my trapping season in the next couple of weeks and I will be posting my "End of the Season" picture. &nbsp;I also won the opportunity to try out and review a pair of <a href="http://www.chippewaboots.com/" target="_blank">Chippewa Boots</a>, so stay tuned for how they hold up with some use and abuse! &nbsp;As I right this, the mercury dips back below 0 degrees where it has been most of the time the past week, which should make lots of ice for the ice fishing opener on the first of January. &nbsp;Stay tuned as we begin our hard water exploration adventures!</div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/12/deer-season-synopsis.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-2293946119415021386Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:34:00 +00002013-11-30T16:34:31.357-05:00Quick Update...As I write this I just walked in the door from the last waning hours of 2013 rifle season on deer. &nbsp;No deer in the books for me yet. &nbsp;I might still dig out the old smoke pole for the last week. &nbsp;Since the last post we have gotten a little snow and temperatures have dropped quite a bit, so I am hopeful that will get the fur moving and produce some catches. &nbsp;I also have a couple of deer stories with pictures to come. &nbsp;My dad was fortunate enough to take a buck today, and a couple of my friends tagged deer this week so I will get some pictures and stories posted for everyone. &nbsp;In the mean time here a couple shots on the trapline...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUWlv8lmDVw/UppZm8OLHQI/AAAAAAAABMI/akElc4ykyg0/s1600/GEDC0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUWlv8lmDVw/UppZm8OLHQI/AAAAAAAABMI/akElc4ykyg0/s320/GEDC0458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgHbeMww66A/UppY4sW88KI/AAAAAAAABL4/8ilVKma6VqU/s1600/GEDC0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgHbeMww66A/UppY4sW88KI/AAAAAAAABL4/8ilVKma6VqU/s320/GEDC0462.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am90qrtNrdk/UppY2zZVNEI/AAAAAAAABLo/NWiTYaEW3ZA/s1600/GEDC0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am90qrtNrdk/UppY2zZVNEI/AAAAAAAABLo/NWiTYaEW3ZA/s320/GEDC0465.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ybTP4SWHQ4/UppZAXSVJ2I/AAAAAAAABMA/kc7ZT7Q-aAE/s1600/GEDC0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ybTP4SWHQ4/UppZAXSVJ2I/AAAAAAAABMA/kc7ZT7Q-aAE/s320/GEDC0470.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/11/quick-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-6508401394120682944Thu, 21 Nov 2013 02:07:00 +00002013-11-20T21:07:27.860-05:00Trapping Update<div style="text-align: center;">So I apologize for my absence, but you can rest assured it is for good reason! &nbsp;I have been catching some fur and that keeps me busy in the fur shed. &nbsp;Enjoy a few pictures in the mean time (Few due to the fact that a lot of recent trapping activities have been after dark and the camera doesn't do well). &nbsp;I did have a special partner for a few hours last weekend and he is sure to be a future trapper. &nbsp;Thanks for coming along Tanner! &nbsp;Stay tuned for lot's more to come I hope!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj0bLYOvm9Y/Uo1nv69StNI/AAAAAAAABLA/IkrRdDBEh-Q/s1600/GEDC0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj0bLYOvm9Y/Uo1nv69StNI/AAAAAAAABLA/IkrRdDBEh-Q/s320/GEDC0446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk1NfmVkSZE/Uo1ouVSlh5I/AAAAAAAABLM/rOj-eO3G914/s1600/GEDC0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk1NfmVkSZE/Uo1ouVSlh5I/AAAAAAAABLM/rOj-eO3G914/s320/GEDC0450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAehi5YfDas/Uo1ouBCAJmI/AAAAAAAABLI/Liv17yzmit4/s1600/GEDC0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAehi5YfDas/Uo1ouBCAJmI/AAAAAAAABLI/Liv17yzmit4/s320/GEDC0451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9uze3dG2xw/Uo1owwN3FFI/AAAAAAAABLY/EC0ND9rLwi8/s1600/GEDC0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9uze3dG2xw/Uo1owwN3FFI/AAAAAAAABLY/EC0ND9rLwi8/s320/GEDC0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/11/trapping-update_20.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-2821993863450375544Fri, 15 Nov 2013 02:18:00 +00002013-11-14T21:18:25.746-05:00Trapping Update ... Hopefully Many More to Come!<div style="text-align: center;">Just thought I would share a picture of my first otter of the season. &nbsp;I love seeing those tapered tails! &nbsp;I had to work a little for this one, but they are always worth it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D46BgDMWxyk/UoWDUpx21HI/AAAAAAAABKw/R01Xfg9cjps/s1600/GEDC0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D46BgDMWxyk/UoWDUpx21HI/AAAAAAAABKw/R01Xfg9cjps/s320/GEDC0444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Big plans for this weekend to extend the fisher/marten line to hopefully connect with a few more of our furry friends so stay tuned for updates!</div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/11/trapping-update-hopefully-many-more-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-9168777246347587155Thu, 14 Nov 2013 02:16:00 +00002013-11-13T21:16:04.157-05:00Trapping Update<div style="text-align: center;">For me, there is nothing quite like seeing a black shadow hanging in my trap. &nbsp;It is such a beautiful site. &nbsp;Fisher are such beautiful animals and I was fortunate to pick up two on my last run!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfNNjuE5maw/UoQs0HSoYRI/AAAAAAAABKQ/HgQd-0woTO0/s1600/GEDC0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfNNjuE5maw/UoQs0HSoYRI/AAAAAAAABKQ/HgQd-0woTO0/s320/GEDC0430.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6FyuBIUaQvo/UoQs2_Ou8hI/AAAAAAAABKY/Orz-MvLncAE/s1600/GEDC0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6FyuBIUaQvo/UoQs2_Ou8hI/AAAAAAAABKY/Orz-MvLncAE/s320/GEDC0435.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I also picked up my first mink of the season! &nbsp;They are really unique little animals.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suu9VRt_G8Y/UoQtiMmIMhI/AAAAAAAABKg/dKjjI_5PfzU/s1600/GEDC0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suu9VRt_G8Y/UoQtiMmIMhI/AAAAAAAABKg/dKjjI_5PfzU/s320/GEDC0438.JPG" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for more trapline adventures yet to come and hopefully some deer pictures!&nbsp;</div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/11/trapping-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-6834527917627040577Tue, 12 Nov 2013 01:24:00 +00002013-11-11T20:24:51.141-05:00Allagash BuckI was talking to Louis Landry who is one of my frequent readers and I expressed my apologies for lack of material being posted as I have been short on time. &nbsp;He recommended even a quick word with a picture to keep everyone up to date, so I will try to be checking in more frequently even if it is for a shorter post.<br /><br />Just a quick photo of a great buck that came out of Allagash this past weekend. &nbsp;Exact location to remain a secret. &nbsp;I heard of several other large buck sightings on Saturday as well. &nbsp;Share your pictures and stories with us at hustonswildlife@yahoo.com. &nbsp;I will be running traps tomorrow as well so check back for pictures of hopefully success!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lund2JLH4Eg/UoGBfFNjTLI/AAAAAAAABKA/Zw9FWrySTw0/s1600/IMG-20131109-00019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lund2JLH4Eg/UoGBfFNjTLI/AAAAAAAABKA/Zw9FWrySTw0/s320/IMG-20131109-00019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/11/allagash-buck.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-1714690133980857258Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:51:00 +00002013-11-10T13:51:25.097-05:00Trapline ... Quick ReportSo I told you to follow along on our Northern Maine trapline and then I left you behind. &nbsp;I have done fair on my water line so that means all my free time has been spent handling fur with little time to update everyone! &nbsp;The batteries died on my camera the last couple of checks, but I have new batteries and the camera will be with me from now on so stay tuned! &nbsp;Here is a little taste of the action! &nbsp;Hopefully our land line will start producing as well. &nbsp;Two dozen water sets and two dozen land sets thus far keeps me busy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d-bYqjFbx4/Un_U1GlgdQI/AAAAAAAABJw/cj8ZblbgfZ0/s1600/GEDC0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d-bYqjFbx4/Un_U1GlgdQI/AAAAAAAABJw/cj8ZblbgfZ0/s320/GEDC0421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X64jWksXU9M/Un_UzMNkXcI/AAAAAAAABJo/5XXGllvWzek/s1600/GEDC0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X64jWksXU9M/Un_UzMNkXcI/AAAAAAAABJo/5XXGllvWzek/s320/GEDC0422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nbnmSMwSAY/Un_UxCmVaTI/AAAAAAAABJY/4iDle1LHneE/s1600/GEDC0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nbnmSMwSAY/Un_UxCmVaTI/AAAAAAAABJY/4iDle1LHneE/s320/GEDC0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iF7_70VqXa8/Un_Uy9Sht1I/AAAAAAAABJg/Ff_OPk3t8_g/s1600/unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iF7_70VqXa8/Un_Uy9Sht1I/AAAAAAAABJg/Ff_OPk3t8_g/s320/unknown.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/11/trapline-quick-report.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-6895280537138598271Tue, 22 Oct 2013 02:26:00 +00002013-10-21T22:26:07.142-04:00Fall is under way!Bird season 2013 was three minutes old when I saw the first dark shadow on the edge of the road. &nbsp;"Bird!", the words blurted out of my mouth as I instinctively reached for the shotgun. &nbsp;This one was long gone by the time we came to a screeching halt and although the bird was visible on the road edge, the fir thicket he disappeared into held strongly onto the darkness and cloaked everything in a deep shadow. &nbsp;As we were still 40 miles from our destination we opted to not spend any time pursuing our feathered friend. &nbsp;Thirty miles, three moose and two birds later, we started to slow and actually pay attention for Ruffed Grouse, known locally as partridge. &nbsp;Sure enough as we came around a corner there were two of the thunder chickens on the edge of the logging road. &nbsp;Sliding the Gold Label double from it's case, I had to wipe the drool off before I could load the shells. &nbsp;The gun belonged to my partner for the day and he insisted I try it. &nbsp;What a beautiful firearm! &nbsp;As I snapped the breech closed I heard, "If you give that second one a minute you could probably get two with one shot." &nbsp;Sure enough I put the bead on the head of closest bird and waited as the further bird walked into a line and as his head passed behind the front bird I pulled the trigger on the right barrel. &nbsp;Two birds tumbled and I had my first bird, wait, birds of 2013! &nbsp;As I fired I noticed two other birds flush, and as I walked up to collect my prizes, I slid the barrel selector to the left barrel just in case. &nbsp;I was just about to bend over to pick them up when I saw another one in the bushes making a run for it. &nbsp;I swung the gun and let loose the left barrel and watched bird number 3 tumble down the bank. &nbsp;Number four (the limit on Ruffed Grouse in Maine) made the mistake of poking his head out of the grassy shoulder long enough for us to spot him. &nbsp;I caught him sneaking away under a log and ended his journey right there. &nbsp;Not a bad start to 2013 hunting season. &nbsp;Chunked into nuggets, dipped in egg, then in crushed Ritz crackers and deep fried for a few minutes is a wonderful way to end a bird outing!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZCtdHxCemo/UmXgGDk7TcI/AAAAAAAABIY/Be8jQbKUt84/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZCtdHxCemo/UmXgGDk7TcI/AAAAAAAABIY/Be8jQbKUt84/s320/DSC_0208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqRYv3Yy00I/UmXgFK819NI/AAAAAAAABIU/WuOHPEFSpgo/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqRYv3Yy00I/UmXgFK819NI/AAAAAAAABIU/WuOHPEFSpgo/s320/DSC_0212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Still have lots of moose stories and some bear too! &nbsp;Stay tuned for that!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also trapping season has now started for some species in some zones, so follow along with us as we run a Northern Maine Trapline!</div><div><br /></div><div>Blake and I prepping the traps:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYg8eGJuYIc/UmXh_chlTQI/AAAAAAAABIs/tqaXC3GaRys/s1600/DSC_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYg8eGJuYIc/UmXh_chlTQI/AAAAAAAABIs/tqaXC3GaRys/s320/DSC_1092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIBxJQts-rY/UmXiAT9b8kI/AAAAAAAABI0/OtJENAWCflc/s1600/DSC_1096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIBxJQts-rY/UmXiAT9b8kI/AAAAAAAABI0/OtJENAWCflc/s320/DSC_1096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k5_Nsq8sDA/UmXh36UqU-I/AAAAAAAABIk/l6nQqBRgr1s/s1600/DSC_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k5_Nsq8sDA/UmXh36UqU-I/AAAAAAAABIk/l6nQqBRgr1s/s320/DSC_1098.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/10/fall-is-under-way.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-2041809137220882078Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:51:00 +00002013-10-03T21:51:48.154-04:00Cast and Blast!<div style="text-align: center;">Wow, does time fly by! &nbsp;I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. &nbsp;I apologize and I want to thank everyone for their patience. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The firewood is cut and piled in the basement!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, on to something more interesting. &nbsp;Tim Cyr and I headed out onto the St. John River for a little cast and blast action and Tim managed to cash in on both the cast and blast options. &nbsp;He downed his first duck of the year which was a beautiful merganser. &nbsp;Despite popular opinion about the edibility of a merganser, we took some fillets off and John Cole cooked them up for us. &nbsp;The flavor was not entirely unenjoyable. &nbsp;The closest likeness I could describe is a moose steak dipped in fish oil and partially rinsed off. &nbsp;Then to top it off he hooked his personal best muskie a beautiful fish that was 39+". &nbsp;I apologize for the poor quality photos, but someone forgot the SD cards! (That would be me of course!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUum_LGRmNg/Uk4dkaWNq8I/AAAAAAAABHo/sdaqTrIJE0w/s1600/September2013Merganser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUum_LGRmNg/Uk4dkaWNq8I/AAAAAAAABHo/sdaqTrIJE0w/s320/September2013Merganser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5uIRuk3XYk/Uk4dkU2w-HI/AAAAAAAABHs/LbCWnmIQWvI/s1600/September2013Muskie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5uIRuk3XYk/Uk4dkU2w-HI/AAAAAAAABHs/LbCWnmIQWvI/s320/September2013Muskie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for lots of hunting action coming up! &nbsp;A little sneak peak of the next stories...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvpuZu_SP84/Uk4er2-ghgI/AAAAAAAABIE/FLirBQ29h14/s1600/Moose+Hunt+2013+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvpuZu_SP84/Uk4er2-ghgI/AAAAAAAABIE/FLirBQ29h14/s320/Moose+Hunt+2013+102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3x3NgXgvUU/Uk4eq8UcoDI/AAAAAAAABH8/6EnCCIIYsGU/s1600/SeptemberMooseMike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3x3NgXgvUU/Uk4eq8UcoDI/AAAAAAAABH8/6EnCCIIYsGU/s320/SeptemberMooseMike.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/10/cast-and-blast.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-9084853471876637079Thu, 29 Aug 2013 02:21:00 +00002013-08-28T22:35:52.455-04:00Muskie Derby 2013I know...I know... That was two weeks ago. &nbsp;I am a little behind schedule and tight on time, so let me cut to the chase. <br /><br />Hopes were high as my head hit the pillow on the night before the derby hit. &nbsp;I needed no motivation to rise as the alarm sounded at 4:30. &nbsp;After all, the truck was loaded, I had taken a vacation day to fish in the annual Fort Kent International Muskie Derby and we had three days of fishing ahead of us. &nbsp;As the truck wound down the road along the river, the light started to creep into the horizon and by the time we reached our destination on the river bank it was light enough to easily navigate the river channel. &nbsp;We were the first ones at the boat launch...Success! &nbsp;The first day was quite disappointing to say the least, with the only fish being a whopper that stretched the tape to a full 22"! &nbsp;The little fellers sure do put on a show though with their acrobatic display. &nbsp;We released this feisty guy to grow up and finished the day just as the last streaks of light faded from the sky. &nbsp;Loading the gear up by the faint glow from the cab lights we hashed out a new game plan for the next day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fx8egzv9i4/Uh6jH0x2NyI/AAAAAAAABEY/dwlpfmKJIiM/s1600/GEDC0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fx8egzv9i4/Uh6jH0x2NyI/AAAAAAAABEY/dwlpfmKJIiM/s320/GEDC0414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The second morning I didn't quite bounce out of bed, but I definitely didn't fall behind schedule and we still we on the water at first light. &nbsp;The morning went by without event until almost lunch time when I noticed a follow. &nbsp;A follow is always exciting, but the fish that I saw do a 180 degree turn ten feet from the boat was large, very large! &nbsp;It was the largest fish I have ever seen and we boated a 44" fish only weeks before. &nbsp;This fish was in the four foot range! &nbsp;It also appeared to be at least a foot from it's white belly to the top of it's back. &nbsp;It was huge! &nbsp;Fishing the location in every way possible for almost an hour we couldn't raise the fish again. &nbsp;I figured a fish of that size would most likely be wise to the ways of fishermen, so I decided we needed to rest the fish and we continued on our way. &nbsp;In the middle of the afternooon I finally saw what we wanted, as Brent's pole bent deep and the drag started running. &nbsp;We were finally into a good fish. &nbsp;As it slid into the net, I breathed a sigh of relief, we were going to have a fish that made the board. &nbsp;It was only a little over the 36" minimum, but knowing how much these fish can shrink we headed straight to the boat launch to bring it down to Muskie Central at Quigley's. &nbsp;We wasted no time in getting back out on the water and after a couple more hours Brent's rod bent again with another fish, except this one was even bigger. &nbsp;A quick glance at the time showed that we were going to have to wait until morning to check it in, so we slid it into the bottom of the canoe and continued plying the murky depths with our lures. &nbsp;Just before dark, I returned to the location where I had seen the behemoth, and anxiously heaved my lure to the far side of the hole. &nbsp;I steadily cranked the reel, tensed, ready for the explosive hit when all of a sudden there it was. &nbsp;The rod tip dipped low as I set the hook and a monster fish rolled on the surface 30 yards away. &nbsp;The drag started to scream as the fish made a run and the rod almost jumped out of my hands with the head shakes. &nbsp;Then, just as quickly as it made it's appearance it was gone. &nbsp;A sick feeling crept into the pit of my stomach as I came to the realization that I had lost the fish. &nbsp;It was with a heavy heart I loaded the gear into the bed of the truck, but I did have the consolation of Brent's fish. &nbsp;It was a beauty, and by careful measurement on the tailgate was a tad over 39". &nbsp;By morning it had lost a considerable amount of length, but it's weight remained unchanged. &nbsp;This was the end of two straight days of fishing for me without a fish, so day three was just a little bit harder to wake up, but I was still going fishing so it wasn't too bad!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tr-lkqEVck/Uh6o2apLL4I/AAAAAAAABEw/NkcisgWV2Bs/s1600/IMG_7787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tr-lkqEVck/Uh6o2apLL4I/AAAAAAAABEw/NkcisgWV2Bs/s320/IMG_7787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Day three started off right with Brent's third derby contender of the weekend coming to the net. &nbsp;I was also rewarded with my first fish of the weekend, followed only minutes later by my second, but both were far from the 36"minimum and were sent on their merry way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMtEIoxzoSc/Uh6p7BRPlMI/AAAAAAAABE8/4IIDE0c4Hss/s1600/IMG_7790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMtEIoxzoSc/Uh6p7BRPlMI/AAAAAAAABE8/4IIDE0c4Hss/s320/IMG_7790.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQnfCo3M20I/Uh6p9vF_UFI/AAAAAAAABFE/2AOeC5a4gUI/s1600/IMG_7799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQnfCo3M20I/Uh6p9vF_UFI/AAAAAAAABFE/2AOeC5a4gUI/s320/IMG_7799.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />We quit fishing and loaded up just in time to make it back for the awards ceremony for Brent to claim his 12th place finish out of the nearly 400 entries. &nbsp;It was a great weekend and we got to fish beside a couple of the local legends Bud Soucy and Corey Daigle and watch them catch some monsters as well. &nbsp;I would encourage everyone to practice catch and release and while acknowledging the fact that we did kill three large fish, I would like to remind everyone that I only keep muskie this one weekend a year and have released far more than I have killed. &nbsp;Just keep in mind when keeping these fish that a large fish could be 20 years old, and won't be replaced quickly. &nbsp;Ok, back off my soap box and on to the pictures of all the fish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M39qxrThlic/Uh6tIBkXS4I/AAAAAAAABF8/PBhYdC7FSIA/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M39qxrThlic/Uh6tIBkXS4I/AAAAAAAABF8/PBhYdC7FSIA/s320/DSC_0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdASMMlMrpU/Uh6tqc6CrsI/AAAAAAAABGE/kl_pb_ixD5M/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdASMMlMrpU/Uh6tqc6CrsI/AAAAAAAABGE/kl_pb_ixD5M/s320/DSC_0352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88ant6q6vXg/Uh6tsDeJe0I/AAAAAAAABGM/bjlCNFIUtWY/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88ant6q6vXg/Uh6tsDeJe0I/AAAAAAAABGM/bjlCNFIUtWY/s320/DSC_0364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtEew-ebn0w/Uh6tsfmVkHI/AAAAAAAABGQ/jY3dyMrJlvc/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtEew-ebn0w/Uh6tsfmVkHI/AAAAAAAABGQ/jY3dyMrJlvc/s320/DSC_0365.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqmCCkoctDg/Uh6uU6dGQSI/AAAAAAAABGo/kvr-xFSDyGY/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqmCCkoctDg/Uh6uU6dGQSI/AAAAAAAABGo/kvr-xFSDyGY/s320/DSC_0370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmXJNRI-Skg/Uh6uTgRdelI/AAAAAAAABGg/TToPQoWRUWg/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmXJNRI-Skg/Uh6uTgRdelI/AAAAAAAABGg/TToPQoWRUWg/s320/DSC_0381.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0bWWfDF6bv8/Uh6vLKmCueI/AAAAAAAABHA/VMugvDMwYlo/s1600/DSC_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0bWWfDF6bv8/Uh6vLKmCueI/AAAAAAAABHA/VMugvDMwYlo/s320/DSC_0398.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGruP8hwrRE/Uh6vKog8iYI/AAAAAAAABG4/R8ywgRkYnyY/s1600/DSC_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGruP8hwrRE/Uh6vKog8iYI/AAAAAAAABG4/R8ywgRkYnyY/s320/DSC_0399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwrQ-SBDWYM/Uh6vJqL5zOI/AAAAAAAABGw/-IOtSMdcbhU/s1600/DSC_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwrQ-SBDWYM/Uh6vJqL5zOI/AAAAAAAABGw/-IOtSMdcbhU/s320/DSC_0407.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br />Brent also managed to snap a few other really nice pictures during our 39.5 hours on the water, including one truly unique catch, so enjoy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv3Nb5joq3o/Uh6qm3JweFI/AAAAAAAABFU/on9BO48HEhs/s1600/IMG_7772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv3Nb5joq3o/Uh6qm3JweFI/AAAAAAAABFU/on9BO48HEhs/s320/IMG_7772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiMZXVOowS8/Uh6qig3hPxI/AAAAAAAABFM/Y-2La8UCzSw/s1600/IMG_7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiMZXVOowS8/Uh6qig3hPxI/AAAAAAAABFM/Y-2La8UCzSw/s320/IMG_7779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuHHzqTW8lc/Uh6rFCjuJAI/AAAAAAAABFs/fjj1j7c0B48/s1600/IMG_7793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuHHzqTW8lc/Uh6rFCjuJAI/AAAAAAAABFs/fjj1j7c0B48/s320/IMG_7793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iyJOmGszdQ/Uh6rE4KXQ2I/AAAAAAAABFo/p2pYliNUVIo/s1600/IMG_7795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iyJOmGszdQ/Uh6rE4KXQ2I/AAAAAAAABFo/p2pYliNUVIo/s320/IMG_7795.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmZyA2NVqfw/Uh6rEhLebbI/AAAAAAAABFg/sxxPmcJBZUM/s1600/IMG_7808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmZyA2NVqfw/Uh6rEhLebbI/AAAAAAAABFg/sxxPmcJBZUM/s320/IMG_7808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Stay tuned, I have lot's more to come in between loads of firewood with my new helper!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xUrLks3p8/Uh6wANO8MtI/AAAAAAAABHI/ucVyxxxKg18/s1600/DSC_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xUrLks3p8/Uh6wANO8MtI/AAAAAAAABHI/ucVyxxxKg18/s320/DSC_0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/08/muskie-derby-2013.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-3686663017928665715Wed, 07 Aug 2013 01:55:00 +00002013-08-06T22:08:16.041-04:0010th Annual Muskie DerbyThis weekend marks the 10th annual Fort Kent International Muskie Derby and I wanted to remind everyone that if you want to see these toothy critters up close and personal, stop by Quigley's this weekend and join in on the festivities. &nbsp;For those of you who are fishing the derby, see you on the water! &nbsp;Have fun and use caution. &nbsp;The large treble hooks found on a muskie lure becomes a dangerous weapon when a fish starts to roll. &nbsp;I also encourage catch and release for all of the fish that don't meet the 36" minimum required for the derby. &nbsp;We have a valuable resource at our disposal and everyone needs to do their part to preserve it. <br /><br />Stay tuned this weekend for updates and...<br /><br />Again use caution with those teeth!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKeGcCmVjTA/UgGoW7s4u7I/AAAAAAAABEI/-aNVjDhHuq4/s1600/Muskie_biting.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKeGcCmVjTA/UgGoW7s4u7I/AAAAAAAABEI/-aNVjDhHuq4/s400/Muskie_biting.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQdDR3xXe28/UCm6400tHII/AAAAAAAAAjY/8wewUVMW0G4/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQdDR3xXe28/UCm6400tHII/AAAAAAAAAjY/8wewUVMW0G4/s400/IMG_7199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/08/10th-annual-muskie-derby.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939023371971609014.post-7763805011574774953Wed, 31 Jul 2013 02:26:00 +00002013-08-06T21:58:09.809-04:00Trophy Room ... Den ... Man CaveThere are many names that people use to describe the area that contains their personal collection of mounts or photos, but all are synonymous with a trip down memory lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Many a time I find myself sitting in my recliner glancing over the fur, fins, feathers and antlers that I have accumulated in my short, modest outdoor career and a smile will cross my face as I recall the feel of the rod flexing in my hands as that fish takes off, or recall the first glimpse of an antler as the deer emerged through the grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This appreciation for photos and “trophies” has always slightly <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>intrigued me, but as I age I appreciate the memories of these adventures more and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Taxidermy has a special place in my heart and I really enjoy having mounts to recall those memories, many would rather have a picture, but either way I would encourage you to capture that moment somehow so in the future you have the opportunity to relive it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I just picked up a couple of my mounts from the taxidermist this week and decided I would post some pictures of my “den” the term I most commonly use to share with everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have a couple more still there and I will post them as I get them.&nbsp; Feel free to send along pictures of your room to <a href="mailto:hustonswildlife@yahoo.com">hustonswildlife@yahoo.com</a> and if I get any responses I will post them for others to enjoy as well.<br /><div class="MsoNormal">I took the pictures as I was walking into the room and then worked around in clockwise rotation, so without further adieu here are the pictures of my den:</div>&nbsp; <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICjjdV7hwgA/UfhoB16sOnI/AAAAAAAABBo/rPs0_vMcdLg/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICjjdV7hwgA/UfhoB16sOnI/AAAAAAAABBo/rPs0_vMcdLg/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading Downstairs </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB3BZXFYobQ/UfhoGAS8QfI/AAAAAAAABBw/k5J9AWH9ebE/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB3BZXFYobQ/UfhoGAS8QfI/AAAAAAAABBw/k5J9AWH9ebE/s320/DSC_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base of the Stairs Looking In</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRsLDIaIrQM/UfhoGimdipI/AAAAAAAABB4/RwovXalTmTo/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRsLDIaIrQM/UfhoGimdipI/AAAAAAAABB4/RwovXalTmTo/s320/DSC_0294.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Addition - 2011 Buck</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKvSrzn936w/UfhpLuGDZxI/AAAAAAAABCE/R6vd8gnR-60/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKvSrzn936w/UfhpLuGDZxI/AAAAAAAABCE/R6vd8gnR-60/s320/DSC_0296.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">43 Pound Rusty Colored Coyote</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PILoQ6F41Mk/Ufhqf_SIvbI/AAAAAAAABCU/VFUggJG6zqY/s1600/DSC_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PILoQ6F41Mk/Ufhqf_SIvbI/AAAAAAAABCU/VFUggJG6zqY/s320/DSC_0300.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Beautiful Buck Inherited from my wife's Grandfather</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaFm_9l8ynY/UfhqhIQ0vvI/AAAAAAAABCg/mTVoU8TKhFM/s1600/DSC_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaFm_9l8ynY/UfhqhIQ0vvI/AAAAAAAABCg/mTVoU8TKhFM/s320/DSC_0301.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camo Recliner - Complete with Beaver Pelt</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnEvCTBnGto/UfhqfhIJOaI/AAAAAAAABCQ/RkVjAHfhGf0/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnEvCTBnGto/UfhqfhIJOaI/AAAAAAAABCQ/RkVjAHfhGf0/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade Coffee table from Allagash, ME</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LA0oiixNnwU/Ufhq04luGAI/AAAAAAAABCw/L4FFCmbfK4k/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LA0oiixNnwU/Ufhq04luGAI/AAAAAAAABCw/L4FFCmbfK4k/s320/DSC_0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Marten and Small 8-Pointer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKKtSBp2W1I/UfhqxSzdVPI/AAAAAAAABCo/HLckOAk4M8U/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKKtSBp2W1I/UfhqxSzdVPI/AAAAAAAABCo/HLckOAk4M8U/s320/DSC_0308.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobcat Wallhanger</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyA3AqKLudQ/UfhtSE_aCII/AAAAAAAABDI/NYg54bTc03g/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyA3AqKLudQ/UfhtSE_aCII/AAAAAAAABDI/NYg54bTc03g/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Busy" Shelves - Lots Going On Here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgjYOH9Gr2E/UfhtV75ctCI/AAAAAAAABDU/iaQnBIPK6Vw/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgjYOH9Gr2E/UfhtV75ctCI/AAAAAAAABDU/iaQnBIPK6Vw/s320/DSC_0309.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Fox</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPHjxtg5RQA/UfhtSW_989I/AAAAAAAABDM/fq3pVYeXR3o/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPHjxtg5RQA/UfhtSW_989I/AAAAAAAABDM/fq3pVYeXR3o/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Moose</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RluYqM31gn8/UfhtnFEFXPI/AAAAAAAABDc/3VRdVXBSGG4/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RluYqM31gn8/UfhtnFEFXPI/AAAAAAAABDc/3VRdVXBSGG4/s320/DSC_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3.5 Pound Brookie</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcSzR_bmZuo/UfhyRxL3flI/AAAAAAAABDo/IsMRlIyZXjo/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcSzR_bmZuo/UfhyRxL3flI/AAAAAAAABDo/IsMRlIyZXjo/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Woodstove Collection</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UuY7yOvSLM/UfhzkDlzpKI/AAAAAAAABD4/NeqWci5pYi8/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UuY7yOvSLM/UfhzkDlzpKI/AAAAAAAABD4/NeqWci5pYi8/s320/DSC_0316.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muskie, Moose Antlers and Fisher</td></tr></tbody></table><br />http://ridgerunnersriverrats.blogspot.com/2013/07/trophy-room-den-man-cave.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Huston)2